Debates of May 29th, 2001

Paul Martin Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, gasoline taxes are imposed at both the federal and provincial levels. In many instances the taxes at the provincial levels are higher than they are at the federal level.

The Canadian government has offered to sit down with the provinces. It has recognized that if action is to be taken on this basis it would have to be taken by both levels of government. So far the provinces have not indicated a desire to do so.

Dave Chatters Athabasca, AB

Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that the government did not have to consult with the provinces before it raised gas taxes, so as the senior level of government why will it not show some leadership, cut gas taxes and provide relief to Canadian motorists?

Paul Martin Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, as a number of provinces have already indicated, unless there were a very large decrease it would not make any difference given the volatility of the price. That would require action by both levels of government and the majority of provinces have said exactly that.

Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, through its official propaganda office, the Canada Information Office, the government has decided to further step up it propaganda activities and is now meddling in the content of educational material intended for schools in Quebec.

Will the minister tell us the principles which guided cabinet in changing the content of educational material intended for Quebec?

Sheila Copps Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, the program under which funding was provided is one which was begun when Lucien Bouchard was secretary of state.

Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, what we want is for the minister to stop interfering in matters that concern Quebec's department of education.

Why is the minister butting in?

Sheila Copps Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, once again, the Bloc Quebecois sees problems where none exist.

The program was introduced by the former secretary of state, who wanted all students throughout Canada to have access to educational materials in both official languages. This is only normal in a bilingual country.

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I have had a few occasions to discuss this problem with the premier of Alberta. He has even praised my position in the press. I have a letter from him in which he says:

Mr. Chrétien, Alberta appreciates the work of you and your government in promoting Canada's energy industry—and notably Alberta's—abroad.

I think I am in agreement with the premier. It is the member who does not read the proper documents.

Brian Pallister Portage—Lisgar, MB

Mr. Speaker, not since the national energy program have Liberals understood provincial jurisdiction over energy resources in the country. Provinces clearly have exclusive constitutional jurisdiction over their natural resources.

The North American Free Trade Agreement allows Albertans to sell their energy resources without bowing to the Prime Minister of the country. Will the Prime Minister promise Albertans and all Canadians that he will respect the rights of provinces under the constitution and under NAFTA to market their own energy resources?

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we always respect the constitution. We have power and obligations in international trade. We have an obligation to make sure that security of supply is protected for all Canadians.

Jean Augustine Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to learn last week that an edict issued by the Taliban in Afghanistan would force religious minorities in that country to wear special identification on their clothing.

Could the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific tell us what the reaction of the Government of Canada is to this edict that religious minorities must wear identification?